First Year Vibes: What a College Freshman Needs

As my freshman year of college comes to a close, and I prepare for next year, I cannot help but think about all the happy times I have experienced since August. Furthermore, I think about all the things that have gotten me through this year. Here is a list of what my freshman self needed, and will continue to need over the next three years.

Close friends. It is nice to have people to talk to in class, but it is even better to have people to spend your weekends with and vent to them when times are tough. My roommate has seen me cry more times than I can count and I am so grateful for her.

Money-managing skills. Sadly, I lacked these and spent all my Lynchburg Express money on Starbucks and peaches within two months of the new semester.

Time at home. While being away from school has its perks, if I had not gotten to go home on some of the weekends, I would have lost my mind.

Shower shoes. This one still makes me cringe, but just remember you will not have to live in a dorm building forever!

Cuddles. Even if your number one love language is not touch, you still need hugs here and there. College can get lonely sometimes and nothing compares to a warm embrace from a friend.

Downtime. You will not get this much in college, but take advantage of it when you have it. Sometimes, you need to take a break from schoolwork in order to stay sane. Play ping-pong, watch a movie, or just take a walk around campus!

Exercise. I know this list is starting to sound like the basic necessities of life, but going to the gym in college is a huge stress reliever and it is good for your health.

Group chats. There is a lot that goes on in a day and it is hard to update all of your friends individually between going to class, doing homework, and other time-consuming activities. A group chat, albeit annoying sometimes, makes it much easier to communicate with a lot of people at once.

Food. Granted you need this even if you are not in college, but even more so in college. If it were not for SkinnyPop, Welch’s gummy snacks, and Smart Water, I do not think I could have made it through finals week. Plus, going to Chick-Fil-A occasionally has never hurt anyone, right?

Hope. This is not a material thing, but it is just as important as the others on the list. College is tough and you can feel really discouraged sometimes. I know it is hard to believe in the moment, but you will not be in college forever. It is just preparing you for another chapter of your life, so enjoy the one you are in while you can.

Overall, my first year at U of L has been challenging, but also infinitely rewarding. I have grown as a person in more ways than I can count and I am so glad to be a Hornet.